Trijicon Introduces New Credo 1-10×28 and RCR Combo

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Trijicon®, a global leader in the design and manufacture of innovative aiming solutions, announces the new Credo® 1-10×28 and RCR® Combo, bringing together two proven Trijicon optics with the Q-LOC™ mounting system for close-range speed and precision at distance.

At the heart of the system is the Credo® 1-10×28, engineered to perform at both CQB distances and extended ranges. Its first focal plane dual red/green illuminated Segmented Circle Enhanced Reticle provides a fast-aiming reference at lower magnification and a fine illuminated cross dot for precise shots at distance. Subtle wind holds enhance precision at distance, while the reticle draws from the proven design used in the U.S. Marine Corps Squad Common Optic (SCO) variant of the Trijicon VCOG®.

Complementing the Credo is the Trijicon RCR®, a ruggedized closed-emitter red dot engineered for extreme durability and reliable performance in the most demanding environments. Its 7075-T6 aluminum housing protects the emitter from environmental elements and debris, while the crisp 3.25 MOA red dot provides fast, precise target acquisition.

Bringing the package together is Trijicon Q-LOC™ Technology, providing secure rail engagement, return-to-zero performance and tool-free operation. Q-LOC accessory ring caps and adapter plates integrate the RCR with the riflescope mounting system for a streamlined, versatile setup. Read more

Optics

Trophy Scan Relaunches With an All-New Mobile Experience for Hunters

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BUCHANAN DAM, Texas — Trophy Scan is back with a completely redesigned mobile experience that gives hunters a faster, easier way to scan, score and do more with their trophies — all from their phone.

Originally developed as technology to digitally scan and score antlers, Trophy Scan has evolved into a complete mobile platform built around four simple steps: Scan. Score. Certify. Compete.

Using the newly relaunched Trophy Scan app, hunters can create a detailed 3D scan of any whitetail deer, by simply following the guided scanning process on their phone. Once the scan is complete, Trophy Scan generates an estimated field score in minutes — no complicated measuring process or special equipment required. Read more

Hunting

ZeroTech Optics USA Introduces Trace X 5-25×56 FFP – RMG 3 Illuminated Riflescope

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A 30-mil vertical holdover scale, 34 MRAD of elevation travel and first focal plane placement support holding or dialing corrections.

ZeroTech Optics USA introduces the Trace X 5-25×56 FFP – RMG 3 Illuminated, a precision riflescope that combines an illuminated MIL grid with a full MRAD turret system. Its RMG 3reticle includes a vertical scale extending to 30 mil, while the scope provides 34 MRAD of internal elevation travel, 0.1 MRAD adjustments and a zero stop for competition, long-range shooting and hunting.

The grid is the defining feature of this configuration. Horizontal and vertical references support windage and elevation holds, giving shooters an alternative to making every correction on the dial. The 30-mil vertical scale provides an extensive set of holdover references within the design, while illumination helps the central aiming elements remain distinct against dark ground, shadow and other low-contrast backgrounds.

Positioned in the first focal plane, the RMG 3 grid preserves its MIL subtensions as magnification changes from 5x to 25x. Its apparent size changes with the image, but the stated angular values remain consistent. That allows the shooter to choose magnification for the situation without recalibrating the grid’s measurements or moving to one specified power to use a hold reference.

For shooters who prefer to dial, the turret system provides 34 MRAD of internal elevation adjustment and 17 MRAD of windage in 0.1 MRAD increments. Read more

Optics

ATF Opens the Door for Every American

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WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah – In August, we celebrated one of the most impactful victories directly affecting suppressor ownership since the NFA was enacted in 1934. On October 9, the celebration returned following ATF’s announcement that it will no longer enforce the NFA’s requirements regarding making or transferring suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), short-barreled shotguns (SBSs) and “any other weapons” (AOWs).

Also, ATF will no longer enforce the requirement that these items be registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. According to ATF, these policies apply to anyone otherwise subject to these requirements, not just the plaintiffs in the litigation.

We fought, we won. Now, that victory belongs to every American, and we think that’s worth celebrating. Quietly, of course. Very, very quietly.

So what does this mean for Americans? Read more

Gun Control

Another FPC Win: Third Circuit Strikes Down Federal Lifetime Gun Ban Over DUI in FPC-Backed Challenge to Gun Control Act

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Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) announced today a major victory in the FPC-supported case of Williams v. Blanche, where the en banc (full-court) U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit affirmed the district court’s summary judgment holding that the federal government cannot constitutionally impose its lifetime gun ban on Edward Williams because of his decades-old, nonviolent DUI conviction.

Williams was convicted in 2005 of a Pennsylvania DUI offense that, because of an earlier DUI matter, was punishable by up to five years in prison and therefore triggered the federal prohibition in 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). His offense did not involve violence, physical injury, or a firearm. He served his sentence in home confinement, yet federal law purported to permanently prohibit him from possessing firearms for the rest of his life.

After years of litigation, the district court ruled for Williams in 2023, holding that the government had failed to demonstrate that permanently disarming him was consistent with the Nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation. The federal government appealed. After a three-judge Third Circuit panel heard argument in 2025, the court took the unusual step of ordering rehearing en banc on its own initiative. The full court heard oral argument in February and now affirmed Williams’s victory.

“The federal government spent nearly a decade trying to permanently disarm a peaceable man over a nonviolent misdemeanor—and it lost bigly,” said FPC President Brandon Combs. “FPC has spent years building the historical record, litigating these cases, and briefing courts across the country to establish the correct rule: The government does not get to turn a nonviolent conviction into a lifetime ban on exercising a constitutionally protected right. Our strategy is paying off again. The Trump Administration would be better served working with us to end this immoral disarmament regime than fighting us and losing. Either way, FPC and our Grassroots Army will continue to Fight Forward until these unconstitutional lifetime bans are eliminated throughout the United States.” Read more

Gun Control

Spot a bear den? Let us know about it

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Oct. 14, 2026

Contact: Cody Norton, 906-202-3023 or Mark Boersen, 989-275-5151, ext. 2722730

Bear workupWhile you’re enjoying time outdoors this fall and winter, keep an eye open for black bear dens. Reporting den locations to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is a simple yet effective way to support bear management programs.

Depending on their location in the state, bears typically enter dens in October and November. They tend to select dens in locations that provide shelter from the elements, which can include areas with dense vegetation, rock crevices, fallen trees or excavated holes. Bear dens may look like brush piles covered in snow or excavated holes in the ground, both having an icy opening to vent fresh air.

Michigan is home to an estimated 12,862 black bears: 11,040 in the Upper Peninsula and 1,822 in the northern Lower Peninsula.

You spotted a den! What’s next? Read more

Wildlife

Platte River State Fish Hatchery now more accessible for visitors

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Oct. 14, 2026
Contact: Paul Stowe, 231-325-4611, ext. 122 or Joe Mickevitch, 231-389-2211

A Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant supported new pavilion, trail and more

A new accessible paved trail was recently completed at Platte River State Fish Hatchery (Benzie County).Avid anglers, school groups, vacationing families and curious Michiganders making the trek to Platte River State Fish Hatchery in Benzie County will notice several upgrades, including an accessible paved trail, thanks to a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant.

“Now, more guests can explore this historic facility and learn about Michigan’s hatcheries and fisheries,” said Paul Stowe, natural resources manager at Platte River State Fish Hatchery. “These improvements have met and even exceeded Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines for accessible design, improving the experience of visiting our hatchery for all guests.”
A new accessible pavilion was recently completed at Platte River State Fish Hatchery (Benzie County) to accommodate large groups and school tours.Platte River State Fish Hatchery was established nearly a century ago, in 1928, and became the state’s primary salmon hatchery in 1972. This historic hatchery is considered the birthplace of Great Lakes salmon; some of the first coho salmon in Michigan were stocked on-site in the Platte River by Dr. Howard Tanner (chief of the Fisheries Division of the DNR, then known as the Michigan Department of Conservation) in 1966.

The hatchery is open to the public, and more than 10,000 people visit every year. Given the age of the facility, renovations were needed to better accommodate visitors, and the Disability Network of Northern Michigan conducted a site audit and made recommendations to enhance access. In 2022, the hatchery was selected in a competitive process to receive a Trust Fund grant of $300,000 for accessibility upgrades. Read more
Fishing

Containment efforts continue on Ridge and Craig Lake fires

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Contact: Kerry Heckman, 517-643-1256 or Beth Fults, 517-282-5985

DNR also has taken over management of Black River Fire from U.S. Forest Service

Smoke lingers in remote area that recently burned in Craig Lake fire.

Fire crews from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources continued battling the rugged terrain and difficult access of the Ridge Fire and Craig Lake Fire Wednesday, making containment progress on both.

The Ridge Fire is now estimated to be 434 acres and 30% contained. The cooperation of area landowners continues to provide critical information to assist firefighters in gaining necessary access and knowledge of the landscape. The Ridge Fire is located 10 miles northwest of Marquette and north of the Dead River Basin west of County Road 510. The Ridge Fire was spotted by a DNR pilot Oct. 9; the cause of that fire remains under investigation.

The Craig Lake Fire, located north of Craig Lake State Park, is now estimated at 604 acres and is 50% contained. The DNR confirmed the cause of the Craig Lake Fire as being a lightning strike. There were multiple storms that produced lightning across the Upper Peninsula between Oct. 5-8. It is not unusual for a lightning strike to smolder for a few days before weather conditions, such as high winds, cause it to spread into dry fuels resulting in wildfire. The Craig Lake Fire was detected by a DNR pilot Oct. 8. Read more

General

Ballistic’s Best Hunting 2026 — Running Seven Waterfowl Shotguns

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Waterfowl hunting doesn’t care how impressive a shotgun looks in the gun rack. When ducks start banking over the decoys, you need a gun that mounts naturally, swings smoothly and performs when the moment arrives. No spec sheet can pull the trigger for you. For Ballistic’s Best Hunting Edition 2026, three shooters put seven of today’s leading waterfowl shotguns through a hands-on evaluation designed to test how they perform when targets don’t follow a script.

This year’s lineup included the Winchester SX4, Browning A5, Mossberg 940 Pro, Beretta AX800 Suprema, Benelli Super Black Eagle 3, Franchi Affinity 3 and Stoeger M3500. The field covered a range of operating systems, features and price points, giving the team a very nice cross-section of modern duck guns.

Evaluators considered handling, fit, target acquisition, recoil, shooting performance and overall usability. With three shooters bringing different experience levels and preferences to the line, the test also highlighted an important truth: shotgun fit is personal, and the gun that works best for one hunter might not be the ideal choice for another.

The results? Seven capable shotguns, remarkably tight competition and very little room for a manufacturer to phone it in. Even small differences in handling and fit became meaningful when the team compared notes. No single feature guaranteed success, and a premium price tag didn’t automatically translate into a better experience.

The 2026 Ballistic’s Best Waterfowl Shotgun evaluation delivers a practical look at what these guns offer hunters beyond the marketing claims. Because when the birds are working, the wind is blowing and somebody yells “Take ’em,” you don’t need a shotgun that looks good on paper. Read more

Firearms

FOXPRO Launches Feature-Packed Ultrasonic X48 Predator Call

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Introducing the X48, a top-tier predator call from FOXPRO designed for exceptional performance and versatility. The X48 delivers an industry leading dynamic range of 32-bit Ultrasonic sound for an unprecedented level of realism in sound playback. This powerful and compact unit includes an Xtreme High Definition (XHD+) speaker and delivers a frequency response range of over 40 kHz, combining a high-quality horn speaker and a new enhanced tweeter, powerful volume, and unrivaled sound clarity.

The X48 includes 250 preloaded sounds, including 10 sounds from the MFK library, and can store up to 2,500 sounds. Also included are 10 Pro Hunts (seasonal sequences selected by the FOXPRO staff) for hands free stands. The TX2000 remote control features new technology for more reliable performance and boasts a large, full-color LCD screen (now featuring a customizable color option), categories and subcategories making sound selections easier than ever, a built-in weight scale, and an improved external gauge for temperature and barometric pressure. Additional features include a moon phase indicator, battery level indicators for both the call and the remote, and a stand timer.

FoxFusion (playing 2 sounds at the same time) and FoxPitch (changing the pitch of any sound for never before heard sounds) now share a new intuitive screen that allows the two features to work together seamlessly. FoxFusion can now be used with up to 32-bit sounds, and FoxPitch now has an extended pitch range (Ultrasonic sounds can only go down in pitch). The device supports FoxPilot sequences for hands-free calling and controls sounds, volume, mute, decoy on/off/speed/light, FoxFusion, and FoxPitch for the most unique and hands free calling ever. FoxData is also included for recording hunting conditions and tracking of sounds used to call in predators.

The X48 also features FoxMotion, which simulates moving prey by fading sound to an external speaker (sold separately). The X48 handle folds out to serve as a stand for elevating the unit for optimal sound distribution or for hanging from a limb or post. The X48 is compatible with the X-Decoy (sold separately) for an all-in-one predator-calling solution. The X48 includes Bluetooth connectivity for streaming audio from your phone, an external speaker jack, and an auxiliary jack for connecting a second decoy or other FOXPRO-approved devices (sold separately). Also included with the X48 is a 5,200 mAh lithium-ion battery pack and a charger, allowing convenient recharging without battery removal. Backed by a 5-year warranty and FOXPRO’s exceptional customer support, the X48 is proudly made in the USA with domestic and global components.

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Hunting
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